Feeling anxious about starting your journey with LSE? We feel you. That’s why we comprised an A-Z list of things you must know before you embark on this journey.
From the kind of experience you can expect, to some of our favourite places on campus, to some insider tips about getting through, here is all you need to know…apart from all your pre-readings of course.
A - Academics
Tip one has to be this - whatever you do not neglect this aspect of your journey. Everything else comes as a side benefit. At the risk of sounding like your mom, we would urge you to be on your A game on this one and everything else will follow.
B - Beaver
The beaver was adopted as LSE’s official mascot in 1922. Beavers are hard working and industrious yet sociable animals, attributes that the founders would have hoped LSE students both possess and aspire to.
C - Community
Your LSE community, your friends in class, in societies, and the halls of residence will support you like no other. It is important to invest in this community and truly make it your own where you feel comfortable and at home away from home.
D - Diversity
Your everyday interaction with the diverse group of people from various parts of the world at LSE will enrich your experience. Learning from this diversity will be one of the best forms of learning here.
E - Events
Skimming through the various events, prioritising the ones that interest you and finding time between coursework to hear some of the greatest leaders of the world, is probably the best place to investment your time outside the classroom.
F - Faculty
Essentially you are here to learn from your faculty’s years of experience. So, go beyond your lectures and seminars and also make the most of the office hours they offer.
G - George
By the time your year comes to an end, you won’t even realise how and when George became your favourite hang out spot. It’s fun. It’s chill. It’s on campus.
H - Holborn
What's not to love about central London? Covent Garden, Charing Cross, Holborn underground, Oxford Street are all minutes away from campus. What’s more, there is a range of cafés to choose from all around campus.
I - Innovation
Many might think LSE focuses a lot on theory, while it does, it also encourages students to be innovative and think of original and creative solutions to problems, so let your creative juices flow. Check out what LSE Generate has to offer about entrepreneurship for starters.
J - Jobs
The sooner one starts thinking about this it’s always the better. LSE Careers is really helpful in this regard, so be familiar with them from day one.
K - KCL
Kings College London is our neighbour, as many would know, and we have this bittersweet relation with them. They are nice folks; don’t listen to your peers and make friends from various universities including KCL.
L - Library
Before you know it, this will be your second home. The largest library in the world devoted to social sciences, exploring great authors and theorists will become super fun. Bonus - our Library also houses LSE LIFE, which will help you with personal and academic development.
M - Minouche
She is the lady at the front. Leading our School towards the LSE 2030 strategy for greater social impact. She is truly a force to reckon with.
N - Network
This is the number one tip. Build your network. I cannot stress this enough. Go to networking events in and outside university and meet as many people in your field as you can.
O - Old Building
As the name suggests, it is the oldest building in campus and its foundation stones were laid by King George V. The building is full of hidden gems, with the Shaw Library being my personal favourite!
P - Penguin
You will spot a number of art installations on campus. Recent one being the inverted Globe - the World Turned Upside Down! But, everyone’s favourite is the Penguin. Even though graduation is a long way, a picture with the penguin is a must. Be sure to grab a selfie with it and tag #PartofLSE.
Q - Question
Ask loads of questions! You will likely not know everything and that’s ok. There’s loads to learn when you ask questions. After all, ‘to know the causes of things’ is the ultimate goal.
R - Research
Your professors, your peers and you yourself will be constantly conducting some really interesting research, always a good idea to keep yourself updated and informed!
S - SU
The LSE Students' Union is all yours. Get involved in different societies or create one of your own! There are 200+ societies at the SU and there is something for everyone.
T - Time Management
You want to get the most out of your time? You don’t want to regret wasting time? Manage it. Plan your time according to your priority and you would have won half the battle. You can start doing this using the Student Hub app to get your timetable, events, and bookings with LSE LIFE and your teachers scheduled in one place.
U - UoL
Did you know LSE is a member of the University of London? This allows LSE students to prevail a number of benefits, including free access to various libraries in the city. Isn’t that exciting?
V - Volunteering
Nothing can be more fulfilling than giving back. You can engage with the wider world, support the environment and gain new skills all while bringing a smile on someone’s face. Check out the LSE Volunteering Centre for all the opportunities you can get involved with!
W - Wander
Sometimes wandering about in this beautiful city and in towns nearby can be exhilarating. Take breaks with friends and sometimes even alone to discover the beautiful world you live in.
X - X-mas (in London)
Oh! It is truly the most wonderful time of the year! Experiencing Christmas joy from November through January is a must for a holistic experience of living in London.
Y - You
Throughout the journey it is very easy to lose sight of yourself and the goals you came to achieve. Don’t let that happen and always be mindful of your personal growth.
Z - Zest
What else? Just bring with yourself a lot of zest and curiosity and dive into this journey headfirst. We promise it will stay with you for a lifetime and beyond.
Written by LSE Social Media Ambassador Yashi Jain